John Dill Robertson
John Dill Robertson (March 8, 1871 – August 20, 1931) was an American medical professional and politician. He served as Chicago's city health commissioner, president of the Chicago Board of Education, and president of the Chicago West Parks Board. In 1927, Robertson ran a third-party campaign for Chicago mayor. As a politician, Thompson was affiliated with the Republican Party. He was an ally of Republican boss Frederick Lundin, and prior to his 1927 mayoral campaign against him, had also long been an ally of William Hale Thompson.
John Dill Robertson | |
|---|---|
Robertson in 1915 | |
| President of the Chicago West Parks Board | |
| In office 1924–1930 | |
| Preceded by | John C. Kruse |
| Succeeded by | W. R. James |
| President of the Chicago Board of Education | |
| In office 1922–1923 | |
| Preceded by | Edwin S. Davis |
| Succeeded by | Charles Moderwell |
| Chicago City Health Commissioner | |
| In office 1915 – February 1, 1922 | |
| Mayor | William Hale Thompson William Emmett Dever |
| Preceded by | George B. Young |
| Succeeded by | Herman Bundesen |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 8, 1871 Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania |
| Died | August 20, 1931 (age 60) Fontana-on-Geneva Lake, Wisconsin |
| Political party | Republican |
| Residence(s) | Chicago, Illinois |
| Signature | |
During Robertson's tenure as health commissioner, the city was impacted by the pandemic of the 1918 Spanish flu. After the pandemic receded in the city, Robertson successfully worked to promote legislation to make it easier to become a registered nurse in Illinois, after noticing the necessity of more registered nurses during the outbreak. Also during his tenure as health commissioner, a 1921 decision by the Supreme Court of Illinois greatly weakened the authority of the office.